Wings and Rings

The franchise industry is undoubtedly facing a situation unlike anything it has ever seen before. Coronavirus has caused brands across multiple industries to temporarily close their doors — or at the very least, rethink their operations — putting franchisors in a position where they need to act fast in order to provide support.&nbsp;Because the current economic climate is unprecedented and the latest news is changing by the minute, there’s no quick fix or “right answer” when it comes to how franchisors can help their local owners successfully navigate the effects of this global pandemic and come out on the other side strong. That’s why 1851 Franchise publisher <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a> asked franchisors to weigh in on what they’re thinking about in terms of assistance to franchisees. Here’s what six executives from six different brands had to say.Kathie O’Connor, Director of Franchise Support at <a href="https://emergingvision.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Emerging Vision Inc.</a>: “So far, our assistance has been primarily moral support, as we are all still in a state of shock and 40% of our locations are in the Bay Area. We're making sure to give the most current and relevant information to our franchise group from an operational standpoint and [are] just letting them know we're here and we are available. We have reduced the royalties and advertising by 50% starting 3/16.”Danessa Itaya, President of <a href="https://propertymanagementincfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Property Management Inc.</a>: “We are not enforcing [a] minimum marketing requirement, and we are providing an $100 credit to each franchise. When we announced this last week on a Zoom town hall, we had some of our top franchisees donate it back to give to some of the younger franchisees who might need it more. We have 260 franchisees. More than anything, the $100 was a token to show that we are in this with them as well. We’re taking this one month at a time.”Michele Kerling-Fagundes, President of <a href="https://www.mrpickles.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop</a>: “[We] reduced royalties in half, suspended marketing fees, [are] posting current info about SBA lending [and] LSM. [We’re not doing] inspections, just [offering] support. [Regarding] marketing, [we’re doing] iHeartRadio audio, email blasts [and] social media—[we’re] reminding our customers we are open and offer takeout, curbside, online ordering [and] third-party delivery. [We] formed a focus group with several multi-unit owners for feedback and [to] brainstorm marketing [initiatives]. [We’re also] offering a combo deal. [These are] tough times but [I] feel confident in May it will start recovering based on what we hear about China and Hong Kong. [We’re also] keeping temporary signage, SBA info [and] news posts in one area on our Franchise Portal for quick reference.”Tom Parks, CEO of <a href="https://premierfranchisesolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Premier Franchise Solutions</a>: “We are making a point to not only reach out to franchisor clients but also to anyone we have awarded a franchise to in those systems. Typically franchise development moves from one deal to the next. We want anyone we have shared time with, who trusted us during their discovery process, to know we haven't forgotten about them and are here for them, even if that's only as a listening ear.”Dimitria O’Rourke, Director of Franchise Support &amp; Training at <a href="https://brokenyolkfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Broken Yolk Cafe</a>: “I’m a franchisor of 33 franchises and 1 corporate location. We waived all royalties for March and will decide about April as we see what unfolds. We have been assisting with marketing efforts to get the word out [and] we are still open for takeout and delivery (at most locations). Some have just opted to close; we gave them the choice. [We’re] very much hoping for this to not go beyond [the] end of April so we can hire back our team in May.”Philip Schram, Chairman of the 80-unit brand <a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=6-ways-franchisors-are-assisting-their-franchisees-during-the-covid-19-crisis-2712635" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a>: “The entire corporate office has been rerouted to support franchisees. We offer concrete solutions on a silver tray. We test them first in our corporate stores, then roll them out to the network. Also, [we’re releasing] a lot of communication through a central SharePoint hub.”

6 Ways Franchisors Are Assisting Their Franchisees During the COVID-19 Crisis

1851 Franchise

Executives from six different franchise brands offer insight into the steps they’re taking to help franchisees persevere through this time of uncertainty.

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Wings and Rings Brings the Heat With Fire-Roasted Serrano Wings, Game-Day Combos and Sweet Seasonal Sips

Wings and Rings Rolls Out New Seasonal Sips, Menu Items and Holiday Gift Card Bonuses for Winter Limited-Time Offer

Wings and Rings Brings Back Sam Adams Beer Cheese for Big Game Flavor and a Free Wings Giveaway

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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;With the Big Game right around the corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise with 85 locations worldwide, is giving guests even more reasons to gather with the return of Sam Adams beer cheese as part of its Crafted Classics menu. Guests who have downloaded the Wings and Rings app can score five free wings through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/super-offer">Big Game giveaway</a> when the Big Game kicks off (February 8), redeemable in-restaurant from February 9–13, a winning play without ever leaving the couch.Available January 28 through April 26, 2026, the Crafted Classics menu delivers generous portions and craveable, comfort-forward flavors made for watching the Big Game, sharing with friends or enjoying a relaxed family meal.A longtime guest favorite, Sam Adams beer cheese is back across the Crafted Classics menu, bringing bold, familiar flavor to the dishes guests already love. The lineup leans into familiar favorites that pair easily with wings, burgers and cold drinks, just in time for football’s biggest moments. Pricing stays in line with Wings and Rings’ everyday offerings, with portion options that make it easy to order for groups or individuals.“Sam Adams beer cheese is comfort food with personality,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-admire-cec-195b2066/">Dan Admire</a>, Corporate Executive Chef and culinary innovator for Wings and Rings. “It’s bold, shareable and made for moments when the table’s full, the game’s on and everyone wants something they’ll keep coming back for.”The Crafted Classics menu includes:<ul><li>Sam’s Beer Cheese Loaded Fries or Chips: Fries or Saratoga chips topped with house-made Sam Adams beer cheese, bacon, scallions and bleu cheese crumbles.</li><li>Beer Cheese Chicken Sandwich: A crispy, beer-battered chicken breast with smoked bacon, Sam Adams beer cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun, served with a choice of side.</li><li>Beer Cheese Jumbo Tenders: Beer-battered chicken tenders served with beer cheese dipping sauce and fries, available in three and four-piece options.</li></ul>From the bar, guests can enjoy drinks that pair perfectly with game-day food, including Sam Adams Boston Lager, along with the Sunday Sunrise Sangria and Red Berry Sangria.With craveable flavors, shareable portions, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/super-offer">Big Game giveaway</a>, Wings and Rings makes it easy for fans to celebrate every touchdown, cheer with friends, and enjoy the ultimate game-day experience.To find a Wings and Rings near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com">https://www.wingsandrings.com</a>.ABOUT WINGS AND RINGSEstablished in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life, and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.WingsandRings.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownwingsandrings.com">www.OwnWingsandRings.com</a>.&nbsp;

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Restaurant Magazine: Wings and Rings Turns Up the Heat With Bold New Summer Menu 

Restaurant Magazine: Wings and Rings Turns Up the Heat With Bold New Summer Menu and Ongoing Promotions

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Wings and Rings Celebrates 40 Years of Wings and Growth: Thriving Q3 Highlights Customer Engagement, Menu Innovations, and Exciting Future Plans

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Wings and Rings Kicks-Off 40th Anniversary Celebration on National Chicken Wing Day

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6 Ways Franchisors Are Assisting Their Franchisees During the COVID-19 Crisis

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